Principles

Seven principles

A framework fit for the twenty-first century rests on seven principles. Each is a structural critique of how the dominant paradigm operates in practice, and a positive proposal for what should replace it.

  1. Stewardship over restriction From authorisation-by-exception to accountability-by-default.
  2. Risk-based proportionality Intensity of regulation calibrated to magnitude and likelihood of harm.
  3. Results over formalities Outcomes that protect, not paperwork that performs protection.
  4. Global interoperability Frameworks that survive cross-border data flow as a default condition.
  5. Human-centred governance Designed around individuals' interests and capacities, not procedural fictions.
  6. Harm-centric approach Discrimination, manipulation, exclusion, structural power abuse: the harms that count.
  7. Evidence-based policymaking Mandatory innovation impact assessments. Sandboxes. Ex-post evaluation.